Whether you are an experienced driver or a new one, in both cases, it is very crucial to understand the importance of your car’s cooling system. A car engine produces a lot of heat when it is running and must be cooled continuously to avoid engine damage.
Generally, this is done by circulating coolant liquid, usually water mixed with an antifreeze solution through unique cooling passages. Some engines are cooled by air flowing over finned cylinder casings.
In a country like Pakistan, where the summers are sweltering, the cooling system becomes a critical part of the drive. Because the temperature can surge to over 40 degrees Celsius, a reliable and well maintained cooling system may very well be the difference between a well-running engine and one that can self-implode.
Here are a couple of tips to help you maintain a properly functioning cooling system.
1. Keep Tabs on the Cooling Fan
The cooling fan is responsible for keeping the radiator cool to prevent over-heating. In case if the radiator is getting too hot, that means your cooling fan may not be working as efficiently as before. In that case, check the fuses and solenoids that connect to the fan to see if they are worn. If need be, join the fan directly to the battery to avoid significant engine damage caused by over-heating.
2. Monitor Fluid Levels
Just like how you need water to stay hydrated, cars require liquids to be able to function smoothly. Moreover, just like how you naturally consume more water in the summers, cars also need more liquids during these months. Once the temperature builds up and the vehicle begins to get warm, the radiator gets pressurized to improve the boiling point of the fluid.
While water is an excellent conductor of heat, a mixture of coolant and water usually works best. Most manufacturers will advise a 100 percent coolant or 50:50 percent coolant to water ratio in their cars. Be sure to ask an expert mechanic for the best coolant for your vehicle before you opt for a random one.
3. Keep Check on the Radiator Hoses
Radiator hoses connect the engine block and the water pump to the radiator and also plays a vital role in keeping the car cool during the harsh summers. Since these hosen are made from rubber, and because of the intense heat that is generated under the hood, they wear and tear eventually. Even the smallest leak or crack in the rubber can lead to a significant issue. Loss of pressure in the cooling circuit can not only a sudden increase in water temperature but can also lead to overheating of the engine. It’s always a good idea to do a visual examination of these hoses.
Know any other essential tips to help look after the car’s cooling system? Share them with us in the comments below.
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